Providence Mayor Still Has Magnetism

SIOBHAN McDONOUGH

Published 7:00 pm, Monday, April 15, 2002

Associated Press Writer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ Described as a workaholic, charismatic, and a snazzy dresser to boot, the colorful six-term mayor of Providence still manages to warm the hearts of Rhode Islanders even as he faces federal corruption charges.

"Mayor Cianci will be re-elected from a jail cell if that's what it comes to _ that's how much we love him," said Providence restaurateur Robert I. Burke. "People love him because he surrounds himself with an aura of power that's mixed with a hint of danger."

Mayor Vincent A. Cianci Jr. _ nicknamed "Buddy" by friends and foes alike _ has already made it known he's interested in a seventh term despite his trial scheduled to start Wednesday with jury selection.

Cianci and three others face charges of racketeering and soliciting bribes for city contracts and jobs. Cianci's chief of staff is scheduled to go on trial at a later date.

The mayor has maintained his innocence on all 29 counts.

Even an indictment and possible conviction don't seem to diminish the appeal of the 60-year-old Cianci, who has carved out a role as a polished politician, quick-witted and amusing to watch, with a knack for reforming a formerly downtrodden city.

"People cut Cianci considerable slack just because of his personal charisma," said Darrell West, a Brown University political science professor. "He's a strong leader who has produced good results and so people offset the corruption issue."

It's not the first time the mayor has been embroiled in a court battle.

Cianci was first elected mayor in 1974. He left office in 1984 in the middle of his third term after a conviction on assault charges. After a stint as a radio talk-show host, he was re-elected in 1990.

"The average person in Rhode Island understands that being in politics is like being in the lane at the NBA final games in the last three minutes. There are some elbows going to be thrown, some pushing," said Burke.

"That's how politics is played here everyday, and Cianci plays the game better than anyone," he said.

A Brown University poll released in January showed that 63 percent of registered voters surveyed believe Cianci is doing a good or excellent job, up from 61 percent in September.

At the same time, 50 percent said they didn't think Cianci was an honest person. The poll surveyed 461 registered voters and had a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points. It was conducted from Jan. 26-28.

Much of Cianci's appeal comes from the creation of Waterplace Park, a system of canals and brick walkways formed by rerouting two rivers. Iron pedestrian bridges and gondola rides give the area a Venice-like atmosphere. The city also has an arts and entertainment district where artists who live and work in new loft studios get tax breaks.

Other projects include a $460 million shopping mall, a $350 million convention center and hotel, a new skating rink and more than $300 million in transportation improvements.

Cianci's charm or successes aren't good enough for Harold Meyer III, who wants Cianci to resign. Meyer leads a group he's dubbed the Rhode Island Citizens for Ethical Government.

Steve Stamatis, 40, is one of those city residents who will support the mayor no matter what dark cloud hovers over him.

"People will like Cianci no matter what _ look at Clinton," said Stamatis, owner of a downtown restaurant. "People in America are willing to forget."

Some people say the controversies, allegations and impending court proceedings must be patiently weighed with his track record in revitalizing a city dubbed "The Renaissance City" for its comeback.

"There was a time when it was dismal and unwelcoming in the city of Providence _ it was the poster child of urban decay," said Burke. "We call it a renaissance city, but it's more like a resurrection that occurred here."

Some of the mayor's foes aren't impressed enough.

"I don't like him," said Andy Schrader, 34, of Providence. "There have been a lot of scandals. We need someone more honest and trustworthy."